It's Friday. And I made it through my first two days of my new job. Cried when I got home the first day. Today my back is the only thing crying. Can you tell I'm tired?
I am thanking God for a chance to earn some benefits and a little money. It won't be enough to pay our bills by a landslide but I'm trusting him to bring in what else we need in some awesome way. He always has. Why not this time?
But as I sit here at my computer, catching my breath before I make myself some dinner, I feel a sadness that my writing life will be changed for a long time. At least until my husband gets out of college.
You do what you have to do and pray for the best.
I will now be listening closer to those of you who work and write. I'll be listening for the tips and advice on how to juggle your love of words and the mundane things we need to do that get in the way. Like work.
I took my notebook with me today and during my half-hour lunch, I worked on a card for Blue Mountain. It was nice to let my mind drift--but oh how I can't wait until tomorrow when it really can.
Making the most of our time. Are you?
38 comments:
Oh, here is a hug for your back and for your heart!
*HUG!!! BIG BIG HUG*!
I have been thinking about you and wondering how I would handle having to work again and not being able to write when I wanted to. I will be praying that you will find those extra hours in the week that you didn't know you had! This too shall pass. I know it's hard to wait :(
I'll be doing the same... I'm transitioning into part time work and then full time work in January. It's such a blessing, but the part about less writing time is more bitter than sweet.
I feel you. Hugs to you. I was sitting here today and thinking about how little time I have left. My start date has been pushed back to Tuesday and starting with the time change ugh... I am glad to have a job and have been praying for God to use me on it. That it is a door to another door. Time will pass and we will look back and say. Remember when we used to work full time. :) Hold on!
Terri I will be lifting you up. He is faithful and He will supply your needs. You may come up with a great story idea in your new job too! I used to work for quite a few characters, lol! I feel for you. Although I'm not being paid for going back to school, I understand the challenge of juggling work, kids, and writing. There is a purpose in this...hang in there!
Oh, Terri, I wish I could hug you. Lifestyle changes are always the most difficult. But, God's grace will cover you. Jesus will be waiting for you - to come to Him with all your tiredness and new scheduling; in your weariness and labor - so that He can give you rest. Abide in Him, my beautiful sister.
My husband also, after losing his job, went back to school (computer tech school). The courses are very hard and he isn't sleeping much. It is a huge, stressful change. College isn't a bad place to be during a recession though--probably the best time to go?
We have a budget shortfall of a few to several hundred every month. Somehow, the mortgage gets paid, and the utilities haven't been turned off. The van, our only vehicle, is paid for but it has 156,000 miles on it. That is scary to me, but I pray over it and I like to think God has a plan for our transportation needs.
Just wanted to say that I'm praying for you, and I totally understand these issues right now.
I feel sad about your writing life too, but I kinda think God is giving you great new material right now--giving you life experiences that he will later have you write about, in some way?
Trust him. He's given you this talent for a purpose--His purpose. It won't go to waste!
Congratulations on your new job and I'm praying for you dear friend.
Oh Terri, I didn't realize you had started a new job.
Elaine from Peace for the Journey sent me the One in a million study (by Priscilla Shirer) and she talks about being camped out at those mountains in the wilderness where we'd rather not be. But the mountain is where we encounter God. I am praying for you this morning! I know God has you on a difficult path...but one that will take you right to His feet.
Oh, Terri! It's so hard to balance everything. This morning I got up at 5:30 in order to squeeze in 45 minutes of editing time. It was the only time I knew I'd have all day. And it was! Now I'm just getting around to reading blogs! It's very hard some days but somehow if we want to write badly enough, then we figure out a a way!
I"m praying for you too Terri and send you a ton of hugs. He's allowed these circumstances for a reason - He won't disappoint you - Sarah
Terri, Just continue to remember that this is just for a time and a season. Your husband going to school is a goal that you are both working towards. Consider that it is hard for your husband too. My husband and I went through the, me working and him going to school, many years ago. We just kept remembering, when it was hard, that there was a finish line and we were going to get there.
Diane
You can do both- write and work at a new job. God made women like that...able to do two things at once and do them well.
Am praying for you. Change is always little hard...well because it's different. I'm very deep. :)
Oh and I'll try and think of some funny writing for you to read on my blog...so you'll laugh.
Sorry about your back. I'm in awe of those who work, have families, and still find the time to write. I've been looking for a job, and I know my whole world will change when I find one. I'll be thinking about you. Hang in there.
All things work together for the good. You'll write about the blessings of this season one day.
Try and look on the bright side, Terri. There will be opportunities to write. They will occur at different times but I am sure you'll find a new routine that isn't as daunting as it sounds.
Oh Terri, I'm so sorry you're in an uncomfortable spot. I hope the newness of the job will fade, so you feel at ease being there, and that you'll still find your writing time. May you be blessed!
I'm glad you've got your notebook at the ready. I'm thinking you'll be jotting all sorts of new ideas that will make their way to the pages of a book. Be they experiences at your new job (hallelujah!), or a new collection of discernments, the material for publishing will be endless!
By the way, I sure relate to the tears. On more than one occasion I've been detoured by the need to work when I hadn't planned to do so. The worst of those times were during my children's youth.
Huge hug, and prayers too.
Kathleen
I'm so sorry you're exhausted. :-( It's awesome God brought you this job and I hope things work out for you. As for time management...I'm working on it. Heh.
Hope the weekend sets ya right again. You CAN do it, Terri! For years and years, I worked, taught, or did multiple part time jobs while juggling three kidlets virtually alone. And I managed to write in the small cracks of time left. You will hit your zone. Maybe some new opportunities and experiences will come along to give you fresh fodder too. Huggage!
Praying that God gives you some time this weekend to sit before a screen and flesh out the thoughts of your heart and brain. Glad for your new job but know that is comes with transitional issues. Praying for those as well.
You're doing a good job, friend, at life! Keep to it; all will make sense in time.
peace~elaine
Terri,
Congratulations upon your new job. I hope everything goes well. Sorry about your back hurting. I've been there and done it so I know how it takes some time to get adjusted to a new job. Blessings to you and much joy with your new job!
I don't work outside the home, but with four kids under 13 and homeschooling, finding some quiet time to write is a real challenge. I'm sure i will be a big adjustment for you, but I know you'll manage to find some spare moments here and there in your day to do what you love to do!
Terri, take care of your back and your spirit. You do sound a little down, because you are usually so perky. Life is like that, we have to work to earn living and yet need to find ways to carve our own little life/time for ourselves. As for time, learning a little more time management in the office as well as at home, so that I can really do more. Sometimes I get distracted and time is wasted.
My prayers with you and hubby. take care.
time to work smarter, have a notepad at work and jot down any ideas that come while you are working. then develop them in your mind and write the results later. you can do it, with God's help of course.
You will be back on course and in more control in a week or so. Getting used to a new schedule and trying how to find time in your new schedule can be so frustrating, but it will work out. Keep trusting in Him and all will be well. Oh, I keep a flashdrive in my computer at work and when an idea comes to me during the work day, I type the note out real quick and save it to the flashdrive, which I try and remember to take home with me every night. This way the thought isn't lost because I was away from my home/writing computer. Not sure if your work situation is set up for that.
Hi Terri -
The first few weeks on a new job are rough. Maybe you can still keep looking for something more suitable.
I re-calculated my daily word count. To finish in three weeks (in case I get this job), I'd have to produce 2,600 words Monday - Saturday. I'm not sure I can manage that much writing.
I'll keep you in prayer, Terri.
Blessings,
Susan
I'm still trying to figure it out. I've really been pressing on God to teach me because I know that He wants me to enjoy life. I feel like I've disciplined the joy right out.
Terri, I just wanted to say good morning and I hope you have a great week.
Terri, I'm praying for the rough edges of this new journey for you to smooth out. CHange isn't always easy, but think of the fodder it can give you for your future stories.
I fear I waste too much time myself. So I'm signing off blogger to get my word count in in the midst of laundry chore, before visiting anymore blogs today--which I'll do on the treadmill because I really need the exercise.
I remember those feelings. The adjustment that happens when you return to the workplace is HUGE. I will be praying for strength, balance and peace.
When it gets posted I will send you the link for the sermon our pastor gave yesterday. He is preaching a series of sermons entitled "Enough" it was very powerful! I just checked and it is not linked up yet!
Hang in there!
Robin
You know, Terri, this will be no different than anyother challenge you've faced and defeated. Of course, you didn't do it alone, but, that means your chances of success are really greatly increased. You can make it happen. Faith and perserverence go a long way.
Best Regards, Galen.
Hey, Terri!
I probably did it the wrong way, but if you go to the acfw site, you can just copy the logo. I highlighted it, right clicked, selected save as. Then I went to blog layout, clicked on gadgets, scrolled down to "picture", and uploaded the logo as a picture.
Hope that helps!!!
I'm not sure if you got this link when I posted it on my blog but it's great for writing in short bursts. Anytime I have 10 minutes to spare, I pull this up and challenge myself to write 500 words. If you stop writing during that time it starts blinking red at you. I think when you work full-time you have to do it this way because sitting down for 2 or 3 hours just is never an option.
Oooops, forgot the link:
http://writeordie.drwicked.com/
I pray God's blessings shine upon you!
I so understand what you're going through. Praying for you now.
Rich blessings!
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